Neymar extends contract with Santos, sets sights on Brazil World Cup return

SAO PAULO, June 25 — Neymar has extended his contract with Brazilian club Santos until the end of 2025, as he aims to regain top form ahead of next year’s World Cup.

“I made my decision by following my heart. Santos isn’t just my team — it’s my home, my roots, my history, my life,” said the 33-year-old forward in a statement released by the club.

Neymar began his professional career at Santos before moving to Barcelona and later Paris Saint-Germain. After an injury-plagued stint in Saudi Arabia, he returned to Santos in January on a deal that was originally set to expire on June 30.

However, the injury issues that limited him to only seven appearances in 17 months at Al-Hilal continued to affect him.

Since rejoining Santos, Neymar has featured in 12 matches across all competitions, scoring three goals. In his most recent domestic league outing, he was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for scoring with his hand against Botafogo.

Santos are struggling in the current Brazilian championship season, hovering just above the relegation zone on goal difference after 12 matches.

Neymar has also faced criticism since his return to Brazil, particularly for partying during Rio Carnival and making an appearance in the novelty seven-a-side Kings League while still recovering from injuries.

He remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals — two more than fellow Santos legend Pelé — but his pursuit of a World Cup title has consistently fallen short.

Though Neymar was recalled to the Brazil squad in March for two World Cup qualifiers, he pulled out due to a thigh injury. In May, new head coach Carlo Ancelotti excluded him from his first squad selection.

“I picked players who are currently in form. Neymar is just coming back from injury — everyone knows how important he is, and of course we’re counting on him,” said Ancelotti. — AFP